Joelle Carter

If a hair or a drop of blood can unlock the whole sequence of a human being's DNA, it makes sense that a single scene in an outstanding television series can also be a microcosm, encapsulating in miniature the elements that make the show so engrossing. Come Emmy awards time, certain specimens of the genus episodic dramaticus seem to thrive year after year. To find out what makes them tick, we put pivotal scenes from the current seasons of four top contenders (including this week's "Mad Men," so be forewarned) under the microscope.

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If a hair or a drop of blood can unlock the whole sequence of a human being's DNA, it makes sense that a single scene in an outstanding television series can also be a microcosm, encapsulating in miniature the elements that make the show so engrossing....